Welcome to Casablanca

Just looking at the city, there's no need to guess where the
port-city of Casablanca, meaning 'white house' in Spanish, got its
name. Made famous by the classic 1942 Humphrey Bogart movie
Casablanca, this cosmopolitan, white-walled city is
Morocco's largest and probably its least endearing; although under
the hustle and bustle and slight seediness, lies a unique and
charismatic history waiting to be discovered. Founded by Berber
fisherman in the 10th century BC, Casablanca was used by the
Phoenicians, Romans and Merenids as a port. The Portuguese then
took over but after destroying the city and rebuilding it, they
abandoned it in 1755 after an earthquake. The city went on to be
rebuilt as
Daru l-Badya(the Arabic name) by a Moroccan sultan, and was
given the name Casablanca by the Spanish traders who used the port.
Casablanca is unlike any other Moroccan city. Women ditch the
conservative clothing and dress themselves in the latest designer
gear, while men flirt shamelessly with them. And while this trend
toward modernity has worked out for some, it has also had some very
negative effects on Casablanca - widespread urban poverty has led
to crime, drugs and prostitution, and evidence of this can be seen
in the slums on the outskirts of the city. A trip to Casablanca -
untraditional and plain as this city may be - is a must for anyone
wanting to experience the 'full picture' of what contemporary
Morocco has to offer.

Climate

Boasting a Mediterranean climate, cool Atlantic currents keep
Casablanca's climate mild and temperate with little variation in
temperature between seasons. Summers are warm and dry while winters
are mild and rainy. Travellers to Casablanca, no matter what
season, are advised to pack lightweight clothing for the sun is
shining, and at least one solid windbreaker to repel cold sea
breezes.

Getting Around

There is a reliable bus route that runs daily throughout the
city as well as various private lines which run from Gare Routière
on Rue Léon l'Africain in downtown Casablanca. Fiat Uno taxis
provide metered services in the central metropolitan areas.
Registered taxis can be easily hailed from just about anywhere in
the city and are easily identified by their blue colour. These are
known as
petite taxis(small taxis) while the white variety are known
as
grands taxis(big taxis). Grand taxis can also be hired by
the hour or day and many travellers may choose to do this. Rental
car agencies can be found throughout the city, but they are
expensive and those opting to drive themselves should be cautious
of chaotic driving and high accident rates. Walking around the city
is safe enough but petty thieves, such as pick-pockets taker
advantage of unsuspecting tourists.

Language

Arabic is the official language, but eight other
languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish.
English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is
the most widely spoken.

Money

The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is
divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns,
but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or
official bureaux de changes, which are also widespread in major
towns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and
receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as
well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit
cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants.
Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas, but are not
prevalent; they are best taken in Euros or Pounds Stirling.

Shopping

Not quite as bustling as some other Moroccan cities, Casablanca
still has a lot to offer eager shoppers. Those keen on shopping in
Casablanca should best brush up on their haggling skills, as
spirited negotiation over price is the norm in this white-walled
Moroccan city.

Head to the old Medina for traditional wares such as tagines,
leather goods, hookahs and other Moroccan souvenirs. Major fashion
chain stores can be found in the Maarif neighbourhood, where all
the big names from Zara to Prada can be found as well as 'designer'
accessories, which can be scooped up for a song. The run-down Derb
Ghraleef neighbourhood, where a cluster of small stalls offer
everything from cellphones to 'genuine' brand name clothing and
everything in between, is an adventurous destination for serious
shoppers with a basic understanding of Arabic and solid bargaining
skills.

The famous Marché Central (Central Market) is a great place to
pick up fresh seafood such as oysters, or Moroccan-style sausages
and patés. Other handcrafts and souvenirs can be bought here too.
The only department store in Casablanca is Alpha 55 on Avenue
Mers-Sultan, and stocks just about everything under the sun. Look
out for authentic Moorish silver jewellery: a sensational idea for
gifts for loved ones back home.

Most shops open at 9am, close around lunchtime and reopen around
3pm, and are usually closed all day on Sundays. Lunch hours on
Fridays are often prolonged due to Friday prayers. During Ramadan,
shops open later in the day and remain open at mid-day.

Designed by Spanish architect, the Casablanca Twin Centre
features two skyscrapers which are 28-storeys tall and tower above
the city at 377 feet (115m). Known as La Grande Casa, the buildings
house offices, businesses, a five-storey shopping mall and
terraces, bars and restaurants occupy the top floor. This building
is a popular attraction because it represents the modernisation of
Casablanca.

Not quite as majestic as the medina's of Fez or Marrakech, this
ancient walled part of Casablanca is worth a visit. This part of
town predates the French protectorate and has undergone restoration
where the
skala(bastion) and colonial clock tower have been restored
to their former glory.

The third largest of its kind in the world, the King Hassan II
Mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. Perched on
the edge of the city of Casablanca, this picturesque structure
looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and features the world's tallest
minaret, towering at 689 feet (210m). Almost half of this mosque
lies on the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass
floor. This feature was inspired by a verse in the Qur'an - 'the
throne of God was built on water'. The mosque can accommodate over
100,000 worshippers.

Located past the ocean-side neighbourhood of the Corniche, the
Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman is built on a rock and is only
accessible at low tide. Non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the
shrine, but travellers wishing to explore the tiny neighbourhood
around it are permitted to do so. Most visitors opt to catch a
glimpse of the shrine and its breathtaking white walls while
walking along the beach.

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